Power boat 'Challenge' moves here

The Chesapeake Challenge, for many years the top power-boat racing competition on the bay, will be held off Baltimore this year on July 25-26.

In previous years, the two-day competition has been held off Kent Island.

"This year's race will see the largest fleet of racers ever to visit the Baltimore bay area," said Kenny Stafford, northeast commissioner for the American Power Boat Association and a member of the Chesapeake Bay Power Boat Association.

The races are expected to draw 60 national pro-class racers and up to 30 club-class racers from as far away as California and Canada.

Races will be held on an eight-mile course, with speeds expected to reach to 160 mph. Boats will range from stock production models to 4,000-horsepower superboats.

"Watching them perform is one of the biggest thrills a speed lover can have -- next to racing his own boat," said race director John Wilmoth.

The competition will be sanctioned by the APBA and sponsored by the CBPBA.

Pit areas and pre- and post-race activities will be at the Lighthouse Point Marina at the Inner Harbor.